TRENTO PROVINCE | TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE

Trentino is an autonomous province of Italy. Trentino is, along with South Tyrol, one of the two provinces which make up the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, which is designated an autonomous region under the constitution. The province is divided into 217 comuni (municipalities). Its capital is the town of Trento, historically known in English as Trent. The province covers an area of more than , with a total population of about 0.5 million. Trentino is renowned for its mountains, such as the Dolomites, which are part of the Alps.

Despite the overwhelmingly mountainous nature of the territory, agriculture remains important. Farms often join together to form larger cooperatives. The most important produce comprises: apples (50% of national production, together with South Tyrol) and other fruit, vegetables (mainly in the Val di Gresta) and grape: important especially for its quality, the latter is used for the production of dry and sparkling wines. In January 2008, the Edmund Mach Foundation was established to promote research, training and services in the agricultural, agri-food and environmental fields. The main industries, often small- and medium-sized, are concentrated in Valsugana, Vallagarina and the Adige Valleys. Sectors include textiles, mechanics, wood and paper productions. Also important is the production of hydro-electric energy. Tourism is the mainstay of the provincial economy. The main resorts include: Madonna di Campiglio, San Martino di Castrozza, Fiera di Primiero, Canazei, Moena, Cavalese, Folgaria, Folgarida-Marilleva, Riva del Garda and Levico Terme, Comano Terme and Roncegno, these last three being renowned thermal stations.

Trentino is a mountainous region. The Adige river flows through central Trentino in a valley named after the river. The principal towns of Trentino lay in the Adige Valley, which has been a historical passage connecting Italy with Northern Europe. Among other important valleys are Non Valley, known for its apple production, Sole Valley, Giudicarie, which has been historically connected by Trento and Brescia, Fiemme and Fassa, Lagarina, Mocheni, Sugana Valley and many others. The province has an area of , and a total population of 524,826. There are 217 comuni (singular: comune), in the province. The Marmolada, at above sea level, is the highest mountain in the Dolomites. The glacier on the Marmolada is also a landmark. Other high mountains include the Monte Baldo, Carè Alto, Cermis, Crozzon di Brenta, Hintere Eggenspitze, Latemar, Paganella, Piz Boè, Presanella, Punta San Matteo and Vezzana.

WHAT TO SEE IN THE TRENTO PROVINCE

The City of Trento, most famous for hosting the Council, in the sixteenth century, that gave birth to the Catholic Counter-Reformation (Council of Trent).

The Dolomites, the famous mountains declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the valleys between the mountains and the famous ski runs. Take the time to linger while in the Dolomites and you may see the “enrosadira”, an amazing sight that have made these mountains famous, 'enrosadira' is when they appear pink in the reflected light of the sunset.

The town of Rovereto is the home of MART- Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto; other museums in Rovereto are The Historical War Museum in memory of the town’s sad involvement in the Great War, and the monumental Castel Dante War Memorial.

Castel Beseno is another worthwhile day trip in this area. the castle overlooks the 'Val di Non' from the top of a hill.

Lake Garda and the village of Riva del Garda offer's unusual landscapes, such as the breath taking Rocca (the fortress) which is reflected on the clear waters of the lake. Lake town hopping by taking the ferry boat around, or enjoy the day exploring the Sarca Valley north of the lake.

TRENTO PROVINCE EVENTS TO REMEMBER

The Maratona del Dolomites, is a great Granfondo as well as several other bike events.

The Rock Master climbing comp takes place in Arco during September.

Remember "Vinum Bonum" and "The Sounds of the Dolomites". Thanks to "Vinum Bonum", every summer, twenty-five wineries open their doors to invite tourists in for guided tours and displays, tastings and meetings with musicians performing against the unusual backdrop of wine casks and bottles.